Passion, enthusiasm, energy, encouragement and hope – the only thing in short supply at the EBW2020 (Empowering a Billion Women) Global Summit was the word “can’t”.

Every successful entrepreneur looks back at some point and says, “I wish I had known this. And that. And that, too, when I was starting out”. What makes EBW2020 Founder and CEO Ingrid Vanderveldt different is that she has done something about it. Her organization’s name is also its goal: Empowering One Billion Women by 2020 (EBW2020). Their mission: giving inspired women of purpose and impact access to mentorship, community, education, financial literacy and a powerful network to succeed as leaders and entrepreneurs.

“One person with a clear vision and a committed heart can change the world.”
– Ingrid Vanderveldt, Founder and CEO, EBW 2020

EBW Summit particpants don their capes to show the power of #OneBillionStrong

While the organization has been helping women for several years, dreams of a global summit began to solidify for 2017. The event would gather together women who were ready to take their business to the next level, and connect them in person with those in a position to help make that happen – innovators, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, investors, and corporate executives.

Innovation is always at its best when all sides get heard. At the EBW summit, the plan was to raise the voices of women that are underrepresented in business and leadership. And raise voices it did. The event roared to life on November 6 and 7, 2017, in Austin, Texas.

Attendees drank in advice from power speaker after power speaker. They covered financial advice, refining a pitch, and digging deep within yourself for confidence – just to name a few topics covered.

Courtney Santana embodied both strength and smarts, going from domestic abuse victim to creator of an app to help women fleeing a violent relationship to find a safe place for the night. And both race car driver (and tech innovator) Jackie Heinricher, and first female NFL coach Jen Welder reminded attendees that the stereotypical “men’s fields” are no longer off limits to women of talent and persistence. Above all, the message was “you are powerful”.

“Be perfect with your imperfections. Either show up as you are, or don’t bother to show up.”
– Starr Corbin, VP of Programming & Playback Systems, iHeartMedia

The EBW 2020 ManBassadors take the stage at the Summit to tale empowerment

The summit was not a one-way street, however. EBW2020’s motto is “Engage. Earn. Return.” Summit attendees were encouraged to not only come prepared with an “ask”, but also with an idea of what they could give. This commitment to not only taking, but giving back, is a critical part of EBW2020’s success.

EBW2020 dedicates itself to women, but there wasn’t any “no boys allowed” sign on this clubhouse door. In fact, EBW2020 has a cadre of committed “ManBassadors” who dedicate their time and talent to supporting the cause. From advice on scaling business by former Dell president Steve Felice to an all-male panel dedicated to discussing how to make big ideas happen, the support, encouragement and respect of these men was on full display.

EBW Billion Dollar Funders Circle Pitch Competition

The event’s grand finale was the announcement of the Billion Dollar Founders Circle Winner, awarded to the best of the pitch presentations from both days of the summit. Competition was tough – many great ideas were presented, including an all-female mechanic’s shop and a program to help change physical fitness in schools. Certainly, pitch evaluators had a difficult choice to make.

In the end, it was Nicole Bassett Founder/CEO of The Renewal Workshop who was chosen to receive the $50K total cash/equivalent investment, including a day of mentoring with Former President of Dell Steve Felice, creative and brand work with KNOCK Inc., and advising from the BDFC Advisors over this next year.